The Anglo-Saxon name Gattesburey comes from when the family resided in the region of Gaddesby a spot in Leicestershire. In the Domesday Book, [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8) the name appeared as Gadesbi from the Old Norse byname Gaddr which meant "Sting."

Gattesburey Early Origins

The surname Gattesburey was first found in Leicestershire at Gaddesby, a parish, in the union of Melton-Mowbray, hundred of East Goscote. Gaddesby Hall was built on the site of an earlier house, was surrounded by a moat and dated back to 1390. The present hall was rebuilt in 1744 but suffered neglect through World War II. In the 1950s, it was again renovated to its present state.

Gattesburey Spelling Variations

Gattesburey Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Gattesburey include Gadsby, Godsby, Gadsbury, Gadaby, Gatesby, Gatsby and many more.

Gattesburey Early History

Gattesburey Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gattesburey research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gattesburey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gattesburey Early Notables (pre 1700)

Gattesburey Early Notables (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Gattesburey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Thomas Gadsby settled in Virginia in 1635; John Gadsby settled in Maryland in 1774; and in the next year Ralph Gadsby was recorded in Maryland; Henry, John, John William, and Thomas Gadsby all arrived in Philadelphia in the 1840's..

Other References

Shirley, Evelyn Philip. Noble and Gentle Men of England Or Notes Touching The Arms and Descendants of the Ancient Knightley and Gentle Houses of England Arranged in their Respective Counties 3rd Edition. Westminster: John Bowyer Nichols and Sons, 1866. Print.

The Gattesburey Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Gattesburey Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.